Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Attention: No Stepfathers Needed

I frequent several blogs, urban sites, and discussion forums and one discussion that I constantly run into is men talking about how they will not date a woman with children.  Even if he has kids of his own!  What?!? Seriously!

This always gets me a bit heated because the automatic assumption is that a single black woman with kids is looking for a dude with an "S" on his chest that reads Superman/Stepdaddy rolled all into one. 

Now, I wouldn't dare try to persuade anyone to change thier requirements when it comes to what they look for in a mate but I would like to offer a little food for thought.....

Not every single woman is holding a flashlight looking in the darkest corners for a father for her children.  Despite what the media may portray, there are some healthy parental relationships where the parents may no longer be together but are both very active in their children's lives.  Hence, you can skip the replacement dad part of the application.

Even if the father is absent, most black women have accepted the fact that they are raising their children on their own and are only looking for a little affection from the opposite sex.  Not every woman is scoping your bank account and grooming you for father of the year.  Women have needs outside of what is required for their children. 

Ofcourse, I recognize that there are some women out here who are on a mad dash to find the "ultimate saviour" who will pay her bills, rub her feet, and fill the void of a father to her children but understand that isn't always the case.  Our options are limited as is so if you start counting every sister out because she has children, it may be you who comes up with a bumb deal.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Poetic Fridays

Untitled

He was oh so charming.


So much class.

Surprised when he looked my way.

Stunned when he asked.



Delighted when he called.

Went out for dinner and a movie.

Seemed simple enough.



Had so much fun, I asked him back to my place for a night cap.

Mistake number one.

Charm so amazing.



Wrapped up in his words.

Blind to his actions.



Metaphors that I thought were taking me to heavens door.

Whispers of forever.

A way with words like no other.

Damn, I’m getting caught up.



Looked into his eyes and saw my future.

Breathed with ease when he spoke those words to me.



Violated when he turned on me.

Ripped off the shield that guarded my heart.

Threw me to the floor with his brut strength.



Climbed on top of me.

My vision is cloudy.

Did he put something in my drink?



Lost in translation.

Not a moment to think..

Tears feel from my eyes and stained the floor.



Is he really doing this to me?

In a flash he was gone. Words spoken no more.



Reached for my phone to dial 911…….

Hello, What’s your emergency?

Damn…..Damn….

I was raped……

by poetry.


By: Brighter Future  (Had you scared for a moment didn't I? lol)

Monday, September 13, 2010

Good New's Monday: Father's Forever

Happy Monday!!
As I announced previously, on Monday's my blog will be dedicated to a Good New's Story.  The purpose of Good New's Mondays is to highlight a non profit organization or individual that is making a positive contribution to the community. 
We tend to always see ourselves painted in a negative light on mainstream media, well this is my attempt to highlight the positive!
The first featured organization is Father's Forever! See below to learn more about this organization.  I hope that this blog will inspire you to get involved!



What is Fathers Forever?


Fathers Forever is a non-profit organization that serves as a map to help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood. Our aim is to make a lasting impression and difference in the lives of fathers through classes and support groups.

Our Vision

Bridging the Gap between Fathers and Children...thus Saving Our Children, One Father At A Time.

Our Mission

Fathers Forever's purpose is to decrease the number of children being raised without the support of their fathers and decrease the number of non-child support cases in our court system.

When was the organization started and by whom?

Glen Warren, founder of Fathers Forever, has been involved in the empowerment of men for over 25 years as a facilitator of various conferences formed to encourage and empower men to discover the combination to unlocking their future. For the past 16 years, Glen has worked as a mental health crisis counselor for persons with depression, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse issues.

Glen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Currently, he is pursuing a Master's degree in Adult Education. Glen is also pursuing certification as a substance abuse counselor. As a single parent, Glen raised two boys and a girl. He founded Fathers Forever because he knows first-hand the importance of the role of a father in the lives of their children.Glen’s desire and pledge for Fathers Forever is to give experience, commitment and resources to provide a positive alternative that will motivate, educate and equip fathers to become co-parents in their children's lives, resulting in a more productive, healthier society.

As president of Fathers Forever, he is committed to enabling men to be co-parents to their children. By making a donation to Fathers Forever, you will help us provide another solution to an ever increasing problem. Help us bridge the gap between fathers and their children… saving our children, one father at a time.

Some of the many accomplishments of Glen Warren and Father Forever are:

• February 2, 2010 featured in the News and Observer article written by Barry Saunders- “Giving Daddies that Push”

• February 15, 2010 received our 1st Fathers Forever Participant

• March 7, 2010 featured on a local television show titled First Choice Life on the CW22 network hosted by Tim Weir

• March 15, 2010 featured on St. Augustine talk radio WAUG 750 interview conducted by Joel Wiggins

• May 23, 2010 featured on Fox 50 television show Tarheel Talk hosted by Sonya Williams. Since February, we now have 150 participants….. and counting.

• June 17, 2010 featured in the News and Observer article written by Barry Saunders- “Donors Learn To Be Dads”

• June 19, 2010 successfully had Our Grand Opening/Fundraiser event that took place at ballroom donated by the Sheraton Hotel located in Raleigh North Carolina. We had over 125 people in attendance and raised $1,200!

• June 22, 2010 featured in the Triangle Tribune article written by Bonita Best “Bridging the Gap Between Fathers and their Children” http://www.triangletribune.com/index.php?src=permalinks/Bridging_the_gap_between_fathers_and_childre

Fathers Forever is a great name, what is the meaning behind it?

The name Fathers Forever actually came from the bible. We know God as our Everlasting Father, since we are made in His image. We too are fathers forever in the hearts and minds of our children. They will always remember us. The choice is up to each father as to how they are remembered.

What is the ultimate goal of this organization?

Our goal is to help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood. Fathers Forever will also help them to understand the importance of having an on-going active role in the lives of their children, in addition to fulfilling their financial responsibilities. Upon completion of the Fathers Forever program, it is our belief that the fathers will have a new found appreciation of their role as a father. We will develop cohesiveness in families, helping to create stronger communities and healthier societies.

Who are prime candidates for the Fathers Forever program?

Fathers Forever's first priority is fathers who are delinquent in their child support payments. The Judicial System can refer participants to us as a jail diversion and Child Support agencies can refer clients to us as a preventative measure. We will also take referrals from other community support agencies.


Tell us about the services you offer:

R.E.S.E.T. -- Fathers Forever serves as a map to help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood.
R estoring the hearts of fathers back to their children

E quipping fathers through classes and support groups

S ynergizing -- promoting community support

E mbracing the joys and responsibility of fatherhood

T ime -- fathers encouraged to spend quality time with their children.


The Fathers Forever program consists of two components. Each component will be facilitated by a F.O.C.U.S. (For On-going Counseling United Support) coach:

• 30-Hour Course Curriculum: The Joys and Responsibilities of Fatherhood, consisting of classes such as Job Readiness Training, Parenting, Anger Management (Domestic Violence), Substance Abuse and Destiny Development.

• Support Group: Fathers who participate in the course curriculum will receive individual coaching throughout the length of our program. The coach will provide assistance in job placement, GED if needed and other personal goals. Fathers who do not take the course curriculum may also participate in the support group.

What is the biggest success story of Father’s Forever thusfar?

Several of our fathers have found jobs, decreased or started paying on their child support debt and improved on the quality of time spent with their children.

One example of a success story is:

One of our Fathers Forever participants was standing outside the courtroom waiting for me to come to court. (As a practice, we go to court with our participants for support and also to give an account of their progress of being in our program to the judge since they were court ordered.) Normally the participants would wait inside the courtroom; however, he was waiting on me to tie his necktie before he had to appear before the judge. The judge for the day, Honorable Judge Kristin Ruth observed him before court started and as she was walking into court he said, “Hey Judge Ruth, I will be in court as soon as Mr. Warren comes…. I need him to tie my necktie.” This incident touched Judge Kristin Ruth so much that she made mention of it at our Open House event where she was our keynote speaker. Currently, the participant has three part time jobs and has only missed two classes since he was court ordered. He’s working hard to be reunited with his 4 year old daughter. He still has a ways to go, but we are so proud of him!!

When you look back 10 years from now, what do you hope to have accomplished with this organization?

• We have helped in the efforts of restoring the hearts of the fathers back to their children and saving our children one father at a time.

• Have Fathers Forever presence in every county in North Carolina.

• Own several car wash establishments so that we can employ our participants that are seeking work or unemployed.

We believe in fathers and we are committed to the process of tearing down the barriers that are preventing them from being the father they want to be.

What else do you want us to know about Father’s Forever?

We are in need of funding, grant writers, office space, office equipment and community involvement; such as company giving gifts, discounts and coupon that we can pass on to our fathers and their children.

Are there any upcoming events or fundraisers we should be aware of?

Upcoming Events-

• Thursday September 16, 2010 @ 6 AM Fathers Forever will be featured on the ION Network, “For the Record” hosted by Eric Brown.

• October 31, 2010 UNCTV
To contact us

Individuals can ALWAYS:

• Visit our website www.afatherforever.com to find out more information and to join our email mailing list.

• Become fans of Fathers Forever on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raleigh-NC/Fathers-Forever/235821653121
• Join us on Twitter http://twitter.com/FathersForever

• Join our Blogs on Blogger http://afathersforever.blogspot.com/

• Check us out and SHARE our Youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_F7OrN1lK4

How can people donate or volunteer?

To Donate

When you donate to our work, together we are saving our children, one father at a time. When dad is not involved, his children are two to three times more likely to engage in drugs, alcohol, school drop out, violent crimes, teenage pregnancy, and struggle with depression, suicidal thoughts and even suicide.
Fathers Forever is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood.
It has been said that "When we know better, we do better." Help us help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood -- thus, Saving Our Children, One Father At A Time. Every child deserves a chance at reaching their fullest potential in life. Children are our future, our most precious commodity and they are worth the investment. GET INVOLVED! http://www.afatherforever.com/donateonline.html


To Volunteer

Fathers Forever volunteers are second to none we are truly grateful and appreciative to our super volunteers. GET INVOLVED!! http://www.afatherforever.com/volunteers.html

We are in need of:

• Event volunteer willing and able to fulfill the needs of Fathers Forever.

• Men to be FOCUS Coaches to mentor/work with our fathers on a individual basis to help them stay focused, encourage and assist them in breaking down the barriers that keep them being good fathers.


**********************************************************************************
First and foremost, thank you to Father's Forever for participating in my first Good New's blog. 
I hope that in reading this blog, you are inspired to give either monetarily or a bit of your time to helping strengthen our communities "One Father At a Time".

Having grown up without a father in the home I understand all to well the importance of an organization such as this. 

To learn more about this organization please visit: http://www.afatherforever.com/

If you know of an organization or an individual who deserves to be recognized please email me at mahoganyexp@yahoo.com.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Poetic Fridays

Love Used to Live Here

Love used to live here

But now it’s gone.

Oh, Don’t fret for me,

I’m fine without it.

Or so I thought.



Love chewed me up and spit me out.

Had me calling it by another name.

Had me searching for it in the highest plain.



Had me thinking I had found it.

Weak when I lost it.

Terrified when it reappeared

And flabbergasted when I heard it’s call.



Love used to live here.

Deep in my heart.

Between my thighs and in the crease of my back I could feel it’s touch.

I could see it in the eyes of others

I could hear it whispered in the wind.



Love used to live here

but now its gone.

It rode away on it’s red chariot and gave no apologies for it’s abrupt departure.

Yet, I still yearn for it.

I still look for it in the daytime with a flashlight.

I still hope that I can capture it’s essence in the purest form.



I’m still searching for it.

Rip my heart out again, it might, but if I can just get a quick taste of that

all encompassing

unconditional

undeniable,

unrelenting,

ever-evolving,

knee weaking

thing they call love again,

I will welcome it with open arms.

 
By: Brighter Future
 
Now it's your turn!  Share some of your poetic genius!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Today is International Literacy Day

“September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. Celebrations take place around the world [1].


Some 776 million adults lack minimum literacy skills; one in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women; 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.” (Reference source is wikipedia)

In celebration of International Literacy Day, I encourage everybody to pick up a book, magazine, newspaper, journal, or visit your favorite site and get to reading. 

I don’t think I understood the importance of reading to children until my child began to struggle with it early on in school. I thought I had given him all the tools he needed to be successful but how could I have done so when I failed to read to him every day?!?!? He no longer struggles with reading but there are millions of children and adults who do all across the world.

I wouldn’t be doing my duty as an aspiring author if I didn’t promote and encourage every single person to read. It truly is fundamental! Can you imagine having to sign your name to a document but you have no clue what is says? Can you imagine being the child in school who is scared to read aloud because of fear that other children will laugh at you?

It’s never too late to learn how to read. I encourage you to volunteer for organizations in your community that promote literacy. If you don’t have time to volunteer donate a couple of dollars towards the enrichment of people within your community. Not knowing how to read is like not knowing the joy of freedom. You are literally chained and bound by what other people are willing to tell you. It was not so long ago that we were fighting for equal education. Now we are afforded the same opportunities as everyone else. Let’s not take it for granted. When you can read, you open up a whole world of opportunity and understanding.

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste”



Happy Reading!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Poetic Fridays

Outline of A Man

If I were an artist I would sketch the perfect man.


He would have eyes that could see through me to that bit of insecurity my heart still carries.

He would have the fortitude to seek it out and erase any traces of it’s presence

He would have arms strong enough to bear my weight when I am too weak to tarry.

Yet gentle enough to hold me in an embrace that could cast away my worry.

His legs would lead me to places I was too scared to travel alone.

Yet, they would have the dexterity to always bring him home.

His brain would possess the knowledge of a 1000 wise men.

Lessons taught so long ago.

And enough wisdom to know when to leave well enough alone.



Inside his heart would be the will of a leader

Who has enough discretion to know when he must follow.

The courage of a gladiator, who will not accept defeat in time of battle.

Compassion of a mother for a child without a home.

The humility of a begger in search of something to call his own.

The ability to make a commitment without knowing what the future holds.

A monogamous being with tunnel vision to my soul.



Love to him would be a buried treasure and he the pirate of the voyage.

Setting his course towards a destiny in spite of the inevitable storm.

The Jack Sparrow of my heart, key guarded with his life.

Eros must have been a conduit for you; giving you an implacable thirst for my nectar.



Doesn’t matter the hue, I would color you iridescently in me amour.

Filling in open spaces with humor, spirituality, and self-assurance

Until you are……

my hearts vision of love.





Brighter Future